I was married off to a disabled hero in lieu of marriage; my in-laws doted on me and I aspired to gr

Zhou Zhonghai returned home laden with the letter of introduction given to him by Pu Shizhong.

All we have to do is wait for the potatoes to be harvested, then take the letter of introduction and send it to the purchasing departments in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong.

Compared to potatoes, Zhou Zhonghai had something more important to do: he needed to call Fu Sanjun.

After a day and a night on the train, without taking a break, I dialed Fu Sanjun's number.

"Minister Zhou..."

Fu Sanjun was officially appointed mayor of Huailin City, but his attitude towards Zhou Zhonghai remained obsequious.

"I just got back from Beijing and met with Committee Member Pu," Zhou Zhonghai said, looking refreshed.

Is there any action from the central government?

"Yes, and the changes were quite significant. Fu Sanjun, Commissioner Pu explicitly told me that not only agriculture needed reform, but industry and commerce also needed reform. I was at Beijing Railway Station, and I hailed a rickshaw to deliver potatoes to Commissioner Pu's house. Do you know how much that cost? Two yuan, just two yuan, and it was all legal."

"Minister Zhou, are you saying that self-employment is being legalized?"

"Yes, individual businesses aren't just limited to rickshaws; citizens can also set up stalls if they want. Nowadays, all goods are purchased according to a plan. If there were many shops and many goods that didn't require coupons, and people could buy them as long as they had money, wouldn't Huailin's economy have improved?"

"Then, what should I do?" Fu Sanjun asked excitedly.

"Fu Sanjun, I've thought it through along the way. To make the people rich and improve the economy, you need to build markets. Farmers' markets, clothing markets, electronics markets."

"Will it work?"

"We'll do exactly what Beijing does. If we're wrong, it'll be Beijing who's wrong first. Let me tell you, Beijing's economy is very vibrant. Take rice cookers, for example. You just plug them in and the rice is cooked. We don't have them in Huailin, but ordinary families in Beijing do. Even Committee Member Pu's family has one."

"Minister Zhou, this is no small matter. Without the necessary documents, I dare not..."

"Fu Sanjun, opportunity favors the prepared. By the time the documents arrive, it'll be too late. Establishing a large-scale trade market isn't something that can be done in a day or two; you need to plan ahead."

"I……"

"Stop whining. Just keep doing your job quietly. Once I'm promoted to vice governor, I'll cover for you if anything goes wrong."

This Fu Sanjun has no courage at all; he's afraid of being harmed by wolves in front and tigers behind.

"Minister Zhou, you... you're going to be promoted to governor? Congratulations!"

"Deputy, deputy. However, my responsibility is economic reform, which includes commerce. I have decided that Huailin will serve as a demonstration site."

"Minister Zhou, I'll do whatever you tell me to do." Fu Sanjun said confidently.

"Your leadership team should hold a meeting to discuss this first. Fu Sanjun, the country is about to change. We can no longer stick to the old ways. Good times have come, and we must roll up our sleeves and get to work."

"yes!"

A meeting is needed. Where should we choose the commercial market?

Zhou Zhonghai was about to go to the agricultural university to find Zhao Jintao for a meal at the cafeteria when his phone rang.

"Zhou Zhonghai, come to the office."

It was Governor Feng Shiguang.

"Governor Feng, is something the matter?"

"Don't you ever report to me?"

"It seems so."

"Why aren't you here yet? Hurry up and get here."

"Yes, yes, I'll be right there."

Zhou Zhonghai likes to chat with Zhao Jintao whenever he's in a good or bad mood.

Young people are energetic, have ideas, and are passionate.

Zhou Zhonghai wanted to mentor Zhao Jintao. On the way back, he decided to assign the potato transportation work to Gu Quan and Zhao Jintao. This would not only cultivate Zhao Jintao's abilities but also provide him with some subsidies in a legitimate way. That kid is having a tough time.

The governor called, so I'll go report on my work first.

Zhou Zhonghai understood Governor Feng's intentions: he was only focused on going to Beijing and had lost all motivation to get things done.

It was a rare occasion that Governor Feng had personally brewed tea for Zhou Zhonghai.

"Did things go smoothly?" Governor Feng asked.

"It's alright, it's just a few potatoes, it's not a big deal."

"A few potatoes, do you really need to go to Beijing yourself?"

"I'm going to visit the old commander and, while I'm at it, promote my potatoes."

Zhou Zhonghai, that old fox, was clearly selling potatoes and taking the opportunity to visit his old superior.

"What directives or guidelines have been issued by the Central Committee?" Governor Feng asked directly.

"It's about reform and opening up, Governor Feng, do you dare to be the first to stick your neck out?"

"Well... Zhou Zhonghai, our province has always been very proactive in cooperating with the central government's directives, take Tonggang County's agriculture for example..."

"Speaking of Tonggang County, I have something important to report to you. In a few days, a reporter from the Central Daily News will be coming to interview us. Our Tonggang County is about to become a national model."

"real?"

Governor Feng was very excited. This was a big deal. Tonggang County was built up by Zhou Zhonghai, and the glory belonged to the province. He, as the governor, deserved a lot of credit.

"We need to start preparing for the reception, Governor Feng. You'll have to accompany us throughout."

"Of course, when will the reporters arrive?"

"I don't know yet, they'll call me before they come. Governor Feng, the Publicity Department should take this opportunity to promote Tonggang County to the whole country. Hehe, once we're famous, I won't need to personally go out and promote our potatoes anymore."

"Yes, that makes sense. Our provincial and municipal daily newspapers have to keep up with the pace. The central government is paying attention, so we have to pay attention too."

"Yes, there will be extensive media coverage about our potatoes, soybeans, wool rabbits, and Governor Feng. We're going to get rich!"

"You... as a government official, how come you only think about getting rich?"

"But I still owe the agricultural university a mountain of debt, you have to give me the money."

"Money, money! We'll have money once we sell the potatoes, right? And with the bumper wheat harvest, shouldn't they pay back the money they owe us for the seeds?"

"The wheat harvest is bountiful, but the money won't go to me; it'll all go to the Ministry of Finance. You have to give me the approval slip."

"Yes, yes. The main task now is to ensure the smooth reception at the Central Newspaper Office. Zhou Zhonghai, you'd better cooperate with me."

"Okay, as long as you approve the funds, all the credit will go to Governor Feng."

"Money is money, and merit is merit. You've also made significant contributions, and I can't take yours. Hey, Zhou Zhonghai, our province is at the forefront of reform. What do you think about me being promoted further?"

"Of course! Committee Member Pu said the country needs talented people..."

"So, I still have a chance."

Governor Feng rubbed his hands excitedly; he was truly a power-hungry official.

"Governor Feng, today's tea is excellent, mellow and sweet."

"Right? Tieguanyin tea, a can costs over ten yuan. I'll give you a can, I'll give you a can."

Governor Feng took out a can of tea from the bottom shelf of the filing cabinet and handed it to Zhou Zhonghai with great joy.

"What you sent isn't what I wanted."

"You're so petty, Zhou Zhonghai. What else did Committee Member Pu say?"

"Support individual businesses."

"No, no, how can we support individual business owners when they're being strictly controlled?"

"See? You're so short-sighted! Those self-employed people in Beijing are doing incredibly well. What are you still worried about?"

"Last year, farmers were forced to 'cut off the capitalist tail' if they raised even one more chicken, so who would dare to do small business? This year, they're supporting individual businesses?" Governor Feng was very puzzled.

"You'll see, in less than three years, the streets will be full of self-employed individuals."

"Vice Governor Zhang, who is in charge of the economy, is retiring, and he doesn't have the courage to do so."

"Governor Feng, what do you think of me taking charge of economic reforms?"

"You...you little brat, have you heard something?"

Feng Shiguang has no power to appoint vice governors; the decision must be made after investigation by the central government.

"Hehe, I was just saying. Governor Feng, you'd better get ready to be featured in the Central Daily News. I have something to do and need to go to the Agricultural University. I'll report any new information to you as soon as possible."

"Okay, I have to go to the meeting. This is a rare opportunity, I can't mess it up."